An audio lesson or sermon from various contributors
Episodes
Saturday Feb 10, 2024
Saturday Feb 10, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 486 | New Thing Series — Part 41 | “Esther’s Impact” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Esther. Today we explore Esther’s impact.
“Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king, wearing royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown and a mantle of fine linen and purple, while the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. For the Jews there was light and gladness, joy and honour. In every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict came, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a festival and a holiday. Furthermore, many of the peoples of the country professed to be Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.” (Esther 8:15-17 NRSV)
“…the Jews who were in Susa gathered on the thirteenth day and on the fourteenth, and rested on the fifteenth day, making that a day of feasting and gladness. Therefore the Jews of the villages, who live in the open towns, hold the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day for gladness and feasting, a holiday on which they send gifts of food to one another.” (Esther 9:18-19 NRSV)
Esther’s Impact
- Esther was only one woman. She was vulnerable, but also privileged.
- She recognises the significance of her opportunity to save herself, her family and her people.
- She takes courageous action by Faith.
- She fasts and trust God for help rather than depend on her own gifts.
- Her impact was immediate and generational
For Reflection
Esther is a tremendous example of someone who used their unique opportunity to make a difference, but did not rely on their gifts.
“Esther asks Mordecai to gather all of God's people in Susa for three days of fasting and prayer. She refuses to try to achieve this mission based on her beauty and her cleverness and her influence, though they are great.” Overcoming your shadow mission, John Ortberg
What opportunities has God give you?
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.” (Galatians 5:13 NRSV)
Why not take some time today to ask God to show you an opportunity to have an impact on the salvation of people who do not yet know God?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Friday Feb 09, 2024
'A New Thing' Class -- Peter, Thames Valley churches of Christ, February 2024
Apostle of hope - there is always hope for a new 'new thing'
Introduction
* Peter's life is an inspiring example of how God does not lose hope in us, and we do not need to lose hope in God
* Whatever happens on our discipleship journey, God is always ready to grant us a new 'new thing'.
1. Peter's start
- ““Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.” (Luke 5:8-11 NRSV)
- ““Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.”” (Mark 8:27-29 NRSV)
2. Peter's fall
- ““Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:59-62 NRSV)
3. Peter's restoration
- “But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.”” (Mark 16:7 NRSV)
- “Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”” (John 21:18-19 NRSV)
4. Peter's mission
- “In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said,” (Acts 1:15 NRSV)
- “But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them,” (Acts 2:14 NRSV)
- “when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticised him, saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying,” (Acts 11:2-4 NRSV)
- “The apostles and the elders met together to consider this matter. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them,” (Acts 15:6-7 NRSV)
What does the story of Peter teach us?
1. Imperfect disciples are accepted: “the other Jews joined him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.” (Galatians 2:13 NRSV)
2. Imperfect disciples grow: Only perfect disciples do not need to grow!
3. Imperfect disciples do 'new things'
4. Imperfect disciples are used by God
5. Imperfect disciples get to heaven
Conclusion
"Peter is preeminently the apostle of hope, as Paul is the apostle of faith and John of love." Weirsbe, Warren, Be Hopeful - commentary on 1 Peter
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.
Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.
It was in this way long ago that the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves by accepting the authority of their husbands.
but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defence to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you;” (1 Peter 1:3, 13, 21; 3:5, 15 NRSV)
* Hope does not disappoint (Rom 5.5)
* Our hope is in God and Christ, not ourselves"It is not the fact of life that determines hope, but the faith of life." Weirsbe, Warren, Be Hopeful - commentary on 1 Peter
* Therefore we have the courage to embrace new things sent from God
* We become people who 'stand up', ready to be counted"This confident hope gives us the encouragement and enablement we need for daily living. It does not put us in a rocking chair where we complacently await the return of Jesus Christ. Instead it puts us in the marketplace, on the battlefield, where we keep on going when the burdens are heavy and the battles are hard. Hope is not a sedative; it is a shot of adrenaline, a blood transfusion. Like an anchor, our hope in Christ stabilises us in the storms of life (Heb 6.18-19), but unlike an anchor, our hope moves us forward, it does not hold us back." Weirsbe, Warren, Be Hopeful - commentary on 1 Peter
Questions
* What stands out to you from Peter's story?
* How would you assess the quality of your hope at the moment?
* How would you assess the quality of hope within your local group at the moment?
* What would help you to develop a stronger hope?
* How would a stronger hope help you to embrace the 'new thing' that God is revealing to you and your church?
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 485 | New Thing Series — Part 40 | “Esther’s Fasting” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Esther. Today we explore Esther’s fasting.
“In every province, wherever the king’s command and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and most of them lay in sackcloth and ashes.” (Esther 4:3 NRSV)
“Then Esther said in reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. After that I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.” Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.” (Esther 4:15-17 NRSV)
Esther’s Fasting
- Esther asks others to fast for her.
- She also chooses to fast. She has her own conviction.
- The fast is of an unusual duration. Most fasts lasted for one day, and might be restricted to daylight hours only. She decides to fast for three sets of 24 hours.
- She persuades others to join her in the fast.
- She fasts even though the outcome is uncertain. She will fast whether she lives or dies.
For Reflection
How do you feel about fasting? It is not my favourite thing to do, I have to say. But I suppose we should ask ourselves, if we are asking God to do a new thing — something miraculous and divine — does it not seem right that fasting should play a part? Fasting is not something to be undertaken casually. It requires a purpose and a proper motivation.
““When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-18 NIV11)
Why not take some time today to pray to God about how you feel about fasting? Would it be a good idea to fast today, or plan for a fast in the future?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 484 | New Thing Series — Part 39 | “Esther’s Concern” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Esther. Today we explore Esther’s concern.
“Haman plotted to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.” (Esther 3:6 NRSV)
“When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went through the city, wailing with a loud and bitter cry; he went up to the entrance of the king’s gate, for no one might enter the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth. In every province, wherever the king’s command and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and most of them lay in sackcloth and ashes. When Esther’s maids and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed; she sent garments to clothe Mordecai, so that he might take off his sackcloth; but he would not accept them.” (Esther 4:1-4 NRSV)
Esther’s Concern
- Esther hears that Mordecai is dressed in sackcloth. She hears the news about his less than trendy clothing from her companions.
- At first she does not know why. But she does know it can't be very comfortable!
- She is not only concerned, but deeply distressed. Her cousin is uncomfortable. Something is wrong.
- She wants to do something about it and find out what's going on.
- She takes time and makes the effort to select clothing. We don't know how she did that. She did not have any clothes of her own that would fit him! But she sources some clothes, selects them and then persuades somebody to go and take them to him.
For Reflection
What helps you to have concern for people?
“The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (Proverbs 29:7 NIV11)
“And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”” (Jonah 4:11 NIV11)
Why not take some time today to ask God to awaken concern in you that leads to practical help for someone?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 483 | New Thing Series — Part 38 | “Esther’s Courage” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Esther. Today we explore Esther’s courage.
Mordecai hears the proclamation to kill all the Jews. He sends a message to Esther telling her what to do:
“Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and charge her to go to the king to make supplication to him and entreat him for her people.” (Esther 4:8 NRSV)
“Then Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him a message for Mordecai, saying, “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—all alike are to be put to death. Only if the king holds out the golden sceptre to someone, may that person live. I myself have not been called to come in to the king for thirty days.”” (Esther 4:10-11 NRSV)
“Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.”” (Esther 4:13-14 NRSV)
“On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, opposite the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne inside the palace opposite the entrance to the palace. As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won his favour and he held out to her the golden sceptre that was in his hand.” (Esther 5:1-2 NRSV)
Esther’s Courage
- Something shifts in Esther’s heart. To begin with she seems most concerned with her own safety. However, a concern for her people develops and gives her the courage to take a risk.
- The risk to her life is very real. The fifth century BC Greek historian Herodotus mentions the Persian custom that anyone who approached the king uninvited would be put to death unless pardoned by the king.
- Esther understands the uniqueness of her position. She accepts that she is the only one who can intervene with any hope of successfully saving her people.
For Reflection
Can you imagine how nervous she felt? Did she fumble with the clasps of her royal robes? Did her mouth go dry? Did she walk unsteadily? Was her mind swimming with fear? Something studied her gait, opened her mouth and cleared her mind. Esther had a clarity of purpose and a powerful motivation. Her life, those of her family and an entire people rested on her shoulders. She found enough courage to take a risk for God. Is there anything God is calling you to for which you are lacking the courage? How about meditating on this scripture:
“I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:19-20 NIV11)
Why not take some time today to ask God to give you ‘sufficient courage’ to exalt Christ in the work he has called you to?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Introduction, Nehemiah 1.1-3
- Inscribed silver bowl from the palace of Artaxerxes I (464–424 B.C.). The inscription clearly identifies this bowl as having been made in the palace of Artaxerxes I. As cupbearer to Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 1:11), Nehemiah likely would have handled articles such as this.
- “At the time, I was cupbearer to the king.” (Nehemiah 1:11 NRSV)
- The main action is crowded into the spring and summer of the year 445 BC
- Around 13 years since Ezra had set out for Jerusalem (Ezra 7:7).
- 'Survivors'/'Remnant' could also be translated, “escapees”, with allusions to the flight from Egypt that made the Hebrews into a nation. Now they have the opportunity to become a nation re-born.
Summary: God was able to do a new thing because Nehemiah responded to the need revealed to him
1. Nehemiah Prays
- Neh 1.4ff
- “Nehemiah’s first response to the challenging news he received was an honest outpouring of emotion. He held nothing back. What an example for us as we face struggles and heartache in this world. We don’t have to ‘act strong’ or ‘be tough’. Thos who follow Jesus are free to express authentic feelings that well up inside us.” Hybels, Nehemiah, 15.
- Nehemiah is a man of action, as events in the book demonstrate. It is therefore all the more remarkable that his first instinct is to mourn, fast and pray. We see here that his penchant for action is rooted in a deep conviction about God’s honour. He is first and foremost a spiritual man - not a man of action.
- This prayer forms the background to the “arrow prayer” of Neh 2:4 and shows that it is not superficial.
- “Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said to the king, “” Nehemiah 2.4
- See also Nehemiah 4.9
2. Nehemiah Acts
- Neh 2.1ff
- Four months later - prayed for the right time
- Sad and afraid, but courageous. He is scared because he is putting his life on the line - for his people. The king had the power to execute someone for not behaving properly in his presence - and expressing emotion was considered improper.
- His conviction inspires others
- “Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we may no longer suffer disgrace.” I told them that the hand of my God had been gracious upon me, and also the words that the king had spoken to me. Then they said, “Let us start building!” So they committed themselves to the common good.” (Nehemiah 2:17-18 NRSV)
Conclusion
- Despite internal and external opposition
- “So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem; for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.” (Nehemiah 6:15-17 NRSV)
- What needs has God revealed to you?
- Family
- Local faith group
- Neighbourhood
- Croxley Business Park
- What action could you take in at least one area this week?
-
Summary: God was able to do a new thing because Nehemiah responded to the need revealed to him
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
God bless, Malcolm
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
From -- 'Why me?' to 'Why not me?'
"Do not think that because you in the king's house you alone of the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (4:13, 14).
“...gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. After that I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.”” (Esther 4:16 NRSV)
'The queen of the Medo-Persian Empire went from a life of ease to a life of impact. Esther had not been a woman who aspired to "change the world;" on the contrary, she desired security. That all changed because she saw a need, and realised that she was the person to meet that need. She was needed. God had a plan for her life. Her purposeless existence now had a meaning of more worth than a thousand outfits of silks and satins, of more worth than all the choice food and luxurious surroundings. She had been given something to do that could change lives forever, and by the grace of God she would do it.' Maria May
How do we handle feelings of inadequacy? Do you suffer from imposter syndrome?Many other Biblical heroes faced feelings of inadequacy:
- Nehemiah - "At the time, I was cupbearer to the king." Nehemiah 1.11
- Moses. In Exodus 3-4, Moses raises several objections and questions, including "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?" and "What if they do not believe me or listen to me?"
- Gideon: Gideon, in the Book of Judges, is called by God to lead the Israelites against their oppressors, the Midianites. Initially, Gideon questions why he, from the weakest clan, is chosen for such a task and seeks confirmation through signs and miracles.
- Jeremiah: The prophet Jeremiah expresses feelings of inadequacy and questions why he was chosen as a prophet. In Jeremiah 1:6, he says, "Alas, Sovereign Lord, I do not know how to speak; I am too young."
What does the story of Esther and others like her teach us?
- Inadequacy is healthy: The alternative is that we all feel super-confident and that we deserve a role. That way leads to debilitating pride.
“...when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”” (Luke 5:8 NRSV)
- That response was the right one in order to become a follower of Jesus
- Inadequacy is not deadly:
“Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:8-10 NRSV)
- Paul combined humility with faith
- Paul's unsuitability to be an Apostle was part of the reason he was chosen!
- Perhaps that's true for you too!
Conclusion
'Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you NOT to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel unsure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. As we let our own Light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.' Brene Brown, I thought it was just me
- I wonder sometimes how much of my feelings of inadequacy are really my sinful nature's self-defence mechanism attempting to 'protect' me from trying 'new things' for God. My sinful nature loves my comfort zone.
- Can you see some area of faith where God is calling you to move from 'Why me?' to 'Why not me?'?
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 482 | New Thing Series — Part 37 | “Esther’s Teamwork” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Esther. Today we explore Esther’s teamwork.
Mordecai hears the proclamation to kill all the Jews. He sends a message to Esther telling her what to do:
“Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and charge her to go to the king to make supplication to him and entreat him for her people.” (Esther 4:8 NRSV)
She replies with a message reminding him that she is not permitted to enter the king’s presences without invitation. She could die. Mordecai insists she must do it because the fate of the Jews is at stake. She sends back a message:
“Then Esther said in reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. After that I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.” Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.” (Esther 4:15-17 NRSV)
Esther’s Teamwork
- Esther is obedient to her cousin
- “Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so.” (Esther 2:10 NIV11)
- “But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.” (Esther 2:20 NIV11)
- At other times Mordecai is obedient to her - as we saw in Esther 4:15-17
- The quality of their teamwork is remarkable and says a great deal about their respect for one another and their recognition of what God had called them to.
- Esther had her responsibilities — Mordecai had his. They directed each other for the good of God’s people.
For Reflection
Respect for the strengths of another person is healthy. My wife is a doctor. What would it profit me to argue about medical matters with her? I am a musician. It would make no sense for her to argue with me regarding the merits of the key of Db major as the best key for the end of the third movement of Debussy’s orchestral piece - La Mer! We are built for teamwork in the kingdom of God. Part of what it means to be a community of faith is to discover the ways we can cooperate with one another to further God’s agenda for the salvation of as many as possible. Who are you working with to that end?
Why not take some time today to ask God help you work well together with other people (men or women) to accomplish things for his glory?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Monday Feb 05, 2024
Monday Feb 05, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 481 | New Thing Series — Part 36 | “Esther’s Family” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Esther. Today we explore Esther’s family
“Now there was a Jew in the citadel of Susa whose name was Mordecai son of Jair son of Shimei son of Kish, a Benjaminite. Kish had been carried away from Jerusalem among the captives carried away with King Jeconiah of Judah, whom King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had carried away. Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is Esther, his cousin, for she had neither father nor mother; the girl was fair and beautiful, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai adopted her as his own daughter. So when the king’s order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in the citadel of Susa in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king’s palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women.”(Esther 2:5-8 NRSV)
Esther’s Family
- Esther’s parents died when she was young
- She is adopted and brought up by her cousin Mordecai
- She is totally reliant on him for food, housing and safety - still a ‘girl’
- She is taken from Mordecai without his or her consent and placed in circumstances of luxurious danger
- More on that in future podcasts
For Reflection
Adoption is a Scriptural theme. Pharaoh’s daughter adopted Moses (Ex. 2:10), and Mordecai adopted Esther (Esther 2:7). Both rescue God’s people from disaster. God adopted Israel (Ex. 4:22; Deut. 7:6; Hos. 11:1; Rom. 9:4) - “Theirs is the adoption to sonship;” (Romans 9:4 NIV11). By God’s grace we are brought into his redeemed family - “children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:13 We have an inheritance - “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:17 NIV11)
Why not take some time today to thank God for adopting you as his son or daughter?
You could pray through this wonderful passage:
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.” (Romans 8:15-21 NIV11)
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Sunday Feb 04, 2024
Sunday Feb 04, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 480 | New Thing Series — Part 35 | “Daniel’s Prayers - Part 2” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Daniel. Today we explore Daniel’s prayers - part 2.
“Although Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he continued to go to his house, which had windows in its upper room open toward Jerusalem, and to get down on his knees three times a day to pray to his God and praise him, just as he had done previously.”
(Daniel 6:10 NRSV)
Daniel’s Prayer Courage
- Daniel is conscious of the risks. he knows that, “whoever prays to anyone, divine or human, for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into a den of lions.” (Daniel 6:7 NRSV)
- Daniel is aware that people will be watching him. But he sticks to his predictable schedule, and keeps the windows open.
- “He does not court martyrdom, but when disaster threatens he remains steady:” Towner, Interpretation, 83.
- It is significant that the threat of doom does not make Daniel more religious, but that he simply continues with his wholehearted devotion. This is a man whose habit is to be fully committed.
- Why Jerusalem? Jerusalem, to the readers, is not only a holy city with a significant past, but it is about the future. To not turn towards Jerusalem would be to admit there was no vision, no future, no hope. Daniel cannot countenance such a thing because he knows his God and that there is always hope, there is always a future.
For Reflection
Sometimes the worst time to pray is the best time to pray. Take the example of Jonah,
“Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the belly of the fish, saying, “I called to the LORD out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.” (Jonah 2:1-2 NRSV)
I imagine I would've been scrambling around in the stinky, claustrophobic darkness looking for a way out of the fish. Instead, Jonah prays.
Or what about the example of Jesus:
“Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:46 NRSV)
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/